§ MR. SWETENHAM (Carnarvon, &c.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, when the Government are considering the present Law with respect to the incidence of tithes, with a view to removing the liability from the occupier to the owner, they will at the same time inquire into the inequality of tithe in Wales on farms of similar character, and their inequality as compared with rent, with tithe generally in England, with the view of remedying the unfairness now being complained of in Wales; and, whether they will consider any reasonable proposition for the ultimate abolition of tithes by encouraging their redemption by the landlord?
§ MR. J. G. HUBBARD (London)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether it is not the fact that both land tax and tithe were claims upon land anterior to rent; and that, although for convenience paid through the occupier, they were neither of them a burden on the occupier-tenant, inasmuch as their incidence involved an equivalent diminution of his rent?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL) (Paddington, S.)In reply to the Question of my right hon. Friend (Mr. J. G. Hubbard), I think the House will be of opinion that on the question of fact in regard to tithes he is a greater authority than I am. I hope, therefore, he will excuse me if I do not enter into a contest with him. With regard to the Question on the Paper, the consideration of the Government will naturally be directed to all the questions of controversy that have arisen with respect to the incidence of tithe.